Middle Eastern states are trying to deter the US from striking Iran
The US allies in the Middle East, expressing concern that a potential military strike on Iran could turn into a war engulfing the entire region, are increasing diplomatic pressure on Washington.
According to "The New York Times," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a conversation with US President Donald Trump on January 14, asked to postpone a planned military strike on Iran. The publication assesses this contact as a crucial turning point in the tense situation surrounding Iran.
According to sources, on the same day, Trump stated that he had received "very important information from the other side" and that the killings of demonstrators in Iran had been stopped. According to NYT's analysis, it was precisely this information that caused the US president to temporarily step back from the military scenario.
Simultaneously with Netanyahu, other regional US allies — officials from Qatar, Oman, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia — also contacted Washington, warning that a strike on Iran could turn into a conflict engulfing the entire Middle East.
"Financial Times" noted that in recent days, Netanyahu has been unusually silent. According to the newspaper's sources, the Israeli leadership understands that a "unique window of opportunity" has opened on the Iran issue during the Trump era, but for the states in the region, political stability is considered a higher priority than a military scenario.
In their opinion, direct US military intervention would not be limited to Iran and would increase the risk of long-term instability throughout the region. Therefore, for now, buying time and de-escalating tensions through diplomatic channels is seen as the most acceptable path.
